What Conservative Spain Has in Common with Putin
Both are insecure.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a journalist, former political risk consultant and former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has reported from Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for various Dutch- and English-language media, including the Atlantic Council, EUobserver, NRC, Trouw and World Politics Review.
Nick writes about the politics of France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States in Atlantic Sentinel and Wynia’s Week. In his spare time, he edits the online magazines Never Was and Forgotten Trek.
He is a member of the board of Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD.
How Divided Government Works in France
Without a majority in the National Assembly, the president can still make foreign policy.
Northern Ireland’s Political System Will Need to Change
Power-sharing kept the peace for 25 years. Now it’s making it harder to govern.
To Fight Inflation, Liberalize Trade
It’s one of the few things politicians can do to make life cheaper.
Republicans Turn Their Backs on Private Enterprise
Florida’s retaliation against Disney marks an escalation.
Amsterdam Won’t Keep Weed from Tourists
Banning the sale of cannabis could cause a surge in street crime.
Two Parties May Be Better Than Three
The only thing worse than two-party polarization is permanent rule by the center.
Why Congress Let Biden’s Child Benefits Lapse
And what it can learn from the Dutch.
Macron’s Next Challenge: Defending His Majority in Parliament
The president’s second term could be a lot harder than his first.
Macron Wins Second Term in France
Emmanuel Macron is the first French president in twenty years to win reelection.
Three Political Traditions Explain the French Election
Charles de Gaulle’s two-party system has broken down.
Democrats Are Losing Touch with Middle America
Voters feel the party is drifting too far to the left.
Sánchez Can No Longer Ignore Catalonia
A spying scandal shatters what little hope Catalan nationalists had of negotiating with Madrid.
Macron Is Lesser of Evils for Mélenchon Voters
Left-wing France should give the president a second chance.
American Health Care Is Understaffed, Because It Is Overregulated
The pandemic highlighted the need for more doctors and nurses.